Nate thanked him. “You’re a generous host.”
“I know it.” Kamoose laughed heartily. “But I wouldn’t want the word to get out, if you get my meaning.”
“I’ll be sure and tell everyone how tough you are.”
Kamoose laughed again.
Missy hurried down the stairs with Louise’s bag, and Nate escorted her out into the dark evening and over to the hospital building.
When he stepped inside, he noticed Louise’s eyes grow wide.
“Oh, you came back,” she whispered hoarsely.
“I said I would.” Would she be so unsure of him? Or was she simply feeling vulnerable? He clung to the hope it was the latter.
Missy flew past him and straight to Louise’s arms. “I was so scared and worried especially when I heard some man had taken you. I knew it was Vic.” She sobbed as Louise rubbed her back. “I hope they get that evil man soon.” She sat up and dried her eyes. “They said you fell off a horse. Is that right?”
Nate snorted. “She jumped off to get away from Vic.” He didn’t know if he was grateful she’d escaped the man or upset at the risk she took.
Louise gave him a steady look. “I prayed for a chance to get away from him and when I saw it I wasn’t about to refuse to take it.”
“Where was Chloe?” Missy asked.
Louise gave the full details of the story from the time she’d met Vic on the plank sidewalk to being rescued by the mounted patrol.
She neglected to tell how she got to the hospital—in Nate’s arms, with his heart threatening to pound right out of his chest. Had he ever been so frightened in his life?
He handed Louise her plate of food and she ate most of it while he devoured his. Colonel Macleod entered about the time Nate finished.
“How are you, ma’am?” he asked Louise.
Of course, she said she was fine and ready to resume her travels.
“Have you found him?” Louise sounded eager to hear good news from the colonel.
“I’m afraid not, but my men will continue to track him until they do. Is there anything I can do for any of you?”
“I’m spending the night here,” Nate said. It was the first Louise had heard of his plans and she blinked in surprise. “If you wouldn’t mind seeing Missy back to the hotel, I’d be grateful.”
“My pleasure.”
Missy kissed Louise on the cheek, took the now-empty plates and left on Colonel Macleod’s arm.
Louise looked at Nate without revealing any emotion. “You don’t have to stay.”
He wouldn’t ask if she objected because he didn’t want to hear if she did. Nor would it influence his decision. “You’ll need help with Chloe. Besides, until Vic is locked behind bars, I’m not leaving you alone. I’ll be here all night.”
“Suit yourself.” She looked at the baby, depriving him of the chance to gauge her feelings.
The doctor came in to check on Louise, and Nate took the baby and stepped out of the room while he did so. The doctor joined him in a few minutes.
“I can hardly believe it, but she seems okay apart from some soreness. I’m glad you’ll be spending the night here, though. Be sure and let me know if you suspect anything amiss.”
“You can count on it.” He returned to the room. Little Chloe needed to eat again and while she did, Nate arranged a bedroll on the floor close to Louise’s bed. He was conscious that she watched his every move, but again, she avoided his look, so he couldn’t say if she welcomed his presence or found it uncomfortable.
Mrs. Noble came in. “Do you need help preparing for bed or will your husband take care of your needs?”
Louise’s cheeks turned a bright red. “If you don’t mind helping me...”
“Not at all.”
Again Nate left the room. This time he stepped outside in the night air. A different Mountie stood by the doorway. “They still haven’t caught him?”
“No, sir. But we will.”
His promise was reassuring, but Nate would feel better when they actually did.
He returned to the room at Mrs. Noble’s bidding. A lamp burned low, filling the room with shadows. Louise was tucked under the covers, her eyes closed. Assuming she meant to sleep, he removed his boots and stretched out on the bedroll.